Manchester Twp. NJ – On Monday, November 1, 2021, at approximately 2:49 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the intersection of County Road 530 and South Columbus Boulevard to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers observed a black, 2005 GMC Sierra, hauling a trailer and boat, facing westbound on the eastbound shoulder of County Road 530 with extensive front and passenger side damage. A red, 2005 Dodge Dakota was observed facing westbound partially on the eastbound shoulder of County Road 530 with extensive front and passenger side damage and a blue, 2021 Hyundai Venue was observed with extensive front end damage facing eastbound in the eastbound lane of County Road 530. The investigation revealed that the Dodge was attempting to make a left turn onto County Road 530 from South Columbus Boulevard when it collided with the GMC, which was traveling westbound on County Route 530. The impact caused both vehicles to cross into the westbound lanes of County Route 530 where the Hyundai subsequently collided into the Dodge.
The driver of the GMC, 55-year-old, Samuel Little, suffered injuries to his neck, back, and chest, and was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ by Hackensack Meridian Health medevac helicopter where he is currently listed in stable condition. The driver of the Hyundai, 71-year-old, Gwen Paulson, suffered injuries to her face and was transported by ambulance to Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ for apparent non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Dodge, 55-year-old, Mahmut Ilhan, did not report any injuries as a result of the motor vehicle crash.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs and Firefighters from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Firefighters from the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, and EMTs from Berkeley Township. The crash caused traffic delays on County Route 530 while officers conducted the investigation. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, disregarding a stop sign and failure to yield the right of way appears to be the primary contributing factors. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Michael O’Hara of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.